What Studying Abroad is Actually Like (Things No One Tells You)

Many Indian students dream of studying abroad, as life seems different, exciting, and perhaps an upgrade from what they lead back home. They look forward to better education, better jobs, better pay, and social security overseas. While all (or most) of this may be true abroad, there are still some parts of living overseas (the reality of studying abroad), which are clearly missed in conversations with friends. However, these are essential to know to make an informed decision.

Expectation 1: Student life abroad is exciting; you get to meet new people all the time

Reality Check: Cultural shock can be hard-hitting

The novelty of interacting with students and people from varied cultures and ethnic backgrounds can wear off much sooner than you’d expect. And then the cultural shock sets in – different accents, difficulty understanding each other’s speech, and a risk of miscommunication/misunderstanding. And before you realise it, you may find yourself wanting to keep a distance from the popular group. It does not mean that you or anyone else is unfriendly. It simply means that people abroad think and speak differently, and sometimes, it can be hard to keep up with the change.

What You Can Do

• Know that this is only temporary, so don’t let a few awkward moments of social interaction undermine your confidence.

• Don’t hold yourself back. Remember, an international study institution is the perfect place for you to overcome all barriers of language, communication, and social skills.

• Take this opportunity to practice and interact with locals as much as possible. This would help hone your accent and better acquaint you with the region's culture.

Expectation 2: Academics Abroad are Relatively Easier

Reality Check: Continuous evaluations keep students on their toes

Most students expect fewer examinations and more flexible study schedules at international universities. Well, the education system abroad isn’t that picture-perfect, as students are expected to show competence through:

• Own research in addition to classroom learning

• Adhering to stipulated deadlines for report/project submissions

• Active participation in group interactions

• Reading consistently to stay updated beyond textbook learning

While Indian students are accustomed to an exam-focused, fixed-curriculum approach, the transition to out-of-the-box thinking over mindless memorisation can seem overwhelming.

What You Can Do

• Take time to acquaint yourself with the new grading system and assessment methods.

• Work on developing self-study habits.

• Attend seminars and workshops, when possible, and participate in active discussions on online and offline forums.

• Follow the guidance of faculty and academic mentors as needed, and seek ongoing feedback.

Expectation 3: You get to enjoy your independence

Reality Check: Independence can start feeling lonely sooner than expected

The thrill of living on your own in a new country, away from family, and the desire to do whatever you want can seem freeing and exciting at first. But it’s only a matter of time before the feeling can be replaced by homesickness or loneliness. Studying abroad alone can be tough.

What You Can Do

• Don’t be in a rush to enjoy freedom. With freedom comes a host of responsibilities too - cleaning, cooking, handling bills, and dealing with emergencies - all by yourself. Finding the right balance between independence and responsibility early on helps you adapt to life abroad seamlessly.

• Build a social network of your own when abroad. Join student clubs, participate in campus events, and stay socially engaged.

• Remember to stay connected with family and friends back home while building and maintaining a local network to avoid feeling homesick.

Expectation 4: Making friends with other Indian students will be easy

Reality Check: Building a social circle takes time

While it’s natural to expect that making friends with other Indian students on campus or in the neighbourhood would be easier, the reality isn’t always so. Some friendships form naturally; some don’t. It takes patience, effort, and time to be an integral part of the Indian student community.

What You Can Do

• Not being able to make friends instantly doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It simply means you are in the adjustment phase and will get there in due course.

• Make an effort to step out of your comfort zone. Initiate conversations in groups and show genuine interest in others’ conversations to build meaningful connections.

• Spend more time outside your room in public spaces, such as cafes, libraries, and hostels.

Expectation 5: Finding a job after studying abroad is obvious

Reality Check: Career growth requires hard work; it isn’t automatic

Some international students automatically secure rewarding jobs after completing the required duration of their study program abroad. The reality is far from this, though. Job opportunities abroad may vary by country, industry, and visa guidelines. It’s crucial to network and strategise to earn a job that best aligns with your skill set.

What You Can Do

• Start by gaining local and relevant work experience through voluntary projects, internships, and part-time jobs. They help you earn the desired skills valued by employers and enhance your resume.

• Stay active in professional networking efforts. Meet regularly with your institution’s alum network, faculty, and industry experts at professional workshops and events to tap into potential career opportunities.

• Work on upskilling, building your skills, and earning certifications that help align you with the job market and current demands.

There may be challenges hiding behind the rosy picture of studying and living abroad, but according to many Indian students overseas, the experience is still worth it!

It is undoubtedly a unique opportunity with numerous lessons for students, teaching them critical skills such as self-awareness, independence, adaptability, and more. Furthermore, the study-abroad experience provides a global perspective to students – one that opens up their minds to embrace diverse happenings, cultures, and events.

If you’re ready to take this exhilarating adventure, get in touch with IDP Education, one of the best study-abroad consultancies, and we'd be happy to help you pursue your dream course in 6 top countries in the world. Don’t forget to try our Student Essentials Services (SES), exclusively designed to help Indian students settle in comfortably in the first few weeks abroad.

Takeaway

Every experience teaches us something; it comes with a learning for a lifetime of learning. So why should the study-abroad experience be any different? With all its imperfections and challenges, it is worth every day spent in a foreign land – experiencing something new that has the potential to shape our future paths, academically, professionally, and personally.

What matters is recognising these challenges early and preparing to face them head-on as a student abroad, so we can make the most of our experience while we’re there.

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